Observatory headquarters receives WMO's recognition as centennial observing station (with photo)
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At the certificate presentation ceremony, Mr Shun said, "The international recognition of the HKO headquarters as a centennial observing station is an important milestone. We have been regularly conducting meteorological observations at the headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui since 1884, and the long-term meteorological observational data reveal the global warming trend in the past 130 years. The HKO headquarters is a declared monument protected by the relevant ordinance. We will do our best to sustain the high-quality weather and climate measurements at this centennial observing station."
Professor Taalas said, "These long-term measurements are the backbone of both weather forecasting and climate science. It is highly important that we ensure the long-term sustainability of these measurements." He said he was delighted that the HKO has received this international recognition, signifying that it is a crucial source of weather and climate information not only for Hong Kong but also for the world.
Long-term meteorological observations, in particular those from observing stations that provide continuous data for 100 years or more, are crucial for documenting and analysing long-term variations of the Earth's climate on multi-decadal and centennial timescales, thereby providing useful input to the development of climate research and services. To highlight the important contributions of these long-term observing stations and promote WMO members' efforts to maintain high-quality measurements at these stations, the WMO has established a recognition mechanism for long-term observing stations around the world that meet a set of objective assessment criteria.
The first set of recognised long-term observing stations includes a total of 60 stations around the world. The HKO headquarters is the oldest observing station among the nine centennial stations recognised in Asia. The full list is available from the link below:
public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/what-we-do/observations/long-term-observing-stations.
Ends/Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:22
Issued at HKT 19:22
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